Svedberg
(Redirected from Sedimentation velocity)
Svedberg (S) is a non-SI unit used to measure the rate of sedimentation during centrifugation of suspensions. It is named after the Swedish chemist Theodor Svedberg (1884–1971), who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1926 for his work on colloids and proteins using the ultracentrifuge, an instrument he invented. The Svedberg unit reflects how fast a particle settles to the bottom of a solution when subjected to centrifugal force, a property that is crucial in the separation and analysis of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and ribosomes.
Definition[edit | edit source]
The Svedberg unit is defined as 10^-13 seconds (10 picoseconds). It is a measure of a particle's sedimentation coefficient, which is the ratio of a particle's sedimentation velocity to the applied acceleration causing the sedimentation. The sedimentation velocity is influenced by factors such as the size, shape, and density of the particle, as well as the density and viscosity of the medium in which the particle is suspended.
Application[edit | edit source]
In biochemistry and molecular biology, the Svedberg unit is particularly useful for the characterization of macromolecules. For instance, ribosomes, which are essential for protein synthesis in living cells, are often identified by their sedimentation coefficients, with the 70S ribosomes of prokaryotes and the 80S ribosomes of eukaryotes being common examples. The "S" in these designations stands for Svedberg units, indicating the rate at which these complexes sediment in a centrifugal field.
The Svedberg unit is also used in the purification and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. By subjecting a mixture of molecules to ultracentrifugation, researchers can separate components based on their sedimentation coefficients, allowing for the study of individual macromolecules in detail.
Measurement[edit | edit source]
The measurement of sedimentation coefficients is performed using an ultracentrifuge, which can generate centrifugal forces many thousands of times greater than the force of gravity. Samples are placed in a rotor and spun at very high speeds, and the rate at which particles move towards the bottom of the tube is measured. This rate is then used to calculate the sedimentation coefficient of the particles.
Significance[edit | edit source]
The Svedberg unit has been instrumental in the field of molecular biology, enabling scientists to study the structure and function of various biomolecules. It has facilitated the discovery of key biological processes and the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying health and disease.
See Also[edit | edit source]
This article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by registering to expand it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD